Markets highlights

1. Although the Federal Reserve did not hike interest rates at its latest meeting, the United States GDP growth figure of 2.3 per cent for the second quarter may still keep a September rise in play.

2. DBS Bank, United Overseas Bank (UOB) and OCBC Bank have been ranked by Bloomberg Markets magazine as among the world's 10 strongest lenders. OCBC came in at No. 3, DBS was ninth and UOB was 10th.

3. Property and construction firm TA Corporation warns that it will make a loss for the quarter ended June 30.

4. Liftboat provider to the oil and gas services industry Ezion raised about $120 million from its latest bond issue with a 3.65 per cent coupon. An unusual feature is that the issue is supported by a loan facility from DBS . This means Ezion can offer a lower coupon.

5. Hi-P International is taking up a credit facility of $25 million from UOB. The facility has a tenor of up to six months. It is uncommitted, unsecured and repayable on demand. The funds will be for general working capital.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 31, 2015, with the headline 'Markets highlights'. Print Edition | Subscribe

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